Product Details

The Firewire LFT Vader surfboard, the current pinnacle of Daniel ‘Tomo’ Thomson’s Modern Planing Hull (MPH) Vision. The Modern Planing Hull represents a cutting edge change in the approach to high performance board design, and the Vader/Vanguard models are the result of precise mathematical equations, inspired by the ridiculous feats of athleticism exhibited by today’s top pro surfers, Tomo has created a board that equips 21st century surfers with the tools to expand their abilities.Daniel describes the Vader as a "Mind Surfing Machine", with the ability to react instantaneously to rapid directional changes with incredible bursts of speed. The Vader is capable of controlled, drawn out carves, and tight angle snaps are achievable with an effortless and intuitive shift in a surfers weight. This biggest difference from the Vanguard is the increase in general usability and paddle power with a larger volume distribution throughout. This encourages surfers to ride the Vader even shorter than previously considered functional and will also make the Vader a realistic option for less experienced surfers.Although aimed at high performance shredding, the Vader is a surprisingly easy ride for a wide range of surfers and abilities. Versatility; the Vader ticks all the boxes and is a stand out performer from waist high to double overhead, offering a natural Quad-fin option which creates significantly increased speed in weaker conditions, or switch to a Tri-Fin for a high-speed surgical attack when the waves demand additional control.The new Linear Flex Technology (LFT) replaces the Rapidfire internal carbon rods with an 18mm wide composite Springer HD Suspension System that runs from nose to tail and includes a top-deck sheet to improve compression resistance. This high density insert creates additional strength through the centre with increased flex through the tail. The EPS top sheet buffer above the HD Springer allows for some compression but without the raised ridge and cracking that can occur with traditional wooden stringer surfboards. LFT delivers plenty of 'TWANG' in and out of your turns and creates the fast-twitch flex response that gives the surfer the feedback and return desired.LFT at last brings the perfect blend of a brand-new traditional PU 'board feel' with the added durability of modern sandwich construction.

Boardshop is stoked to be a key partner for Firewire surfboards across Europe and beyond, we’ve been with them since the very start. Firewire surfboards are more durable than other surfboard manufacturing processes, and for 90% of surfers they will improve your surfing. Firewire is pushing the limits of applying new technology and innovation to surfboard design and always has an eye on the environmental impact of what they do, they truly are different to the other board companies out there. Firewire have come a long way since the early boards and the range of shapes and tech just gets better and better. A big chunk of the boards in the range are perfectly suited to the waves that 90% of us surf on a regular basis so if you haven’t already give them a try. The staff here have surfed pretty much every board in the Firewire range at some time or another and we speak to surfers from all over the world and get their feedback on how the boards perform in all sorts of conditions so we’re well placed to talk about all aspects of Firewire surfboards. We’re happy to consider trading in your old board against a new Firewire, so If you have any questions about this we’d be delighted to answer them and advise on any potential board choices or enquiries you might have, just drop us an email to info@boardshop.co.uk or call us on 0044 (0) 1243 674250.

I tried a demo on an average day and loved it. So after trying it in 1-4ft waves(only had it for 1 week) it is better than I expected ! Some reviews say its not meant for small waves, but in mushy 2ft waves, its paddles like a dream and catches waves like no other groveler I've had and easiest the fasters board I've ridden. I'm 5ft 10, 82 kg and I'm riding a 5ft 6 Vader. I thought the sic fi and SKX was good, but this is a game changer. Also a big up to Boardshop, they have the best service around, best products and always happy when I have shopped here. 10/10

Small, light-weight and maneuverable and totally balls to the wall! Resembles riding a snowboard or wakeboard IMHO. First tried it as a quad and it felt a bit tame, then as a thruster and the 'thing' just lit up! You'll get some funny looks in the parking lot but who cares when you can spinout 360º just for kicks. Only advice about sizing - go as small as possible! For example, I took 5% off my lowest volume in a HPSB and could probably still go lower. If you like the EVO but already have a Potato like I do then this slides in perfectly as a DD. A do anything board for the right kind of surfer. Cheers Boardshop!

It's still you surfing, but your best turns become more frequent. You catch more waves. You throw more spray. You make more drops. For average to decent surfers, these boards are amazing. For the very top surfers who can thread a wave top to bottom every time, stick with normal shapes. I ride mine at mouth height, so if you're 5'10" get a 5'6" etc.

Turn this board over and look at the bottom contours and on first impression it looks like it might be difficult to ride ... but not so, this is one of the most sure footed boards I have ever ridden, it hammers down a wave and is awesome at dealing with a steep or pitching wave. It paddles well for a short board and is a good wave catcher. It's better than just good fun ... it is awesome.

BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM..........with out doubt this board is just mind boggling, it's almost cheating. There is no doubt in my mind that as perceptions to the shape (which is odd) change, more and more surfers are going to realise what they are missing out on. incredible speed, effortless turns and long, long lasting after session smiles! in more than 20 years of surfing I have never been so blown away by a board, works in mush and steep vertical walls, I admit I was worried when paddling into a steep 6ft South Devon reef, that the nose would catch, I couldn't have been more wrong, the board just goes......I mean, it really goes! Within a few waves I was taking off way deeper on a wave than was ever possible on a wave I have been surfing for 20+ years. This board has not only pushed my capabilities, but also the capabilities of what is possible on a wave. I genuinely cannot see me surfing anything else for a very long-time, I cannot recommend a Vader more. If you're the type of surfer that's into innovation and wants to feel the future for your self its a no brainer......a complete no brainer! If your the type of surfer who knows exactly what you want in a board and have the same dimensions shaped every time because you know that's what you like....fine...but your missing out! Missing out big time! The future has arrived and MPH riders be going faster than you! Sizing the Vader/any board is always a good debate these days, with "volume" the big buzz phrase.....I prefer a bit more foam than the new too cool for school brigade but its hard to see how you're going to get it wrong. Unlike the Vanguard which has a pretty small sweet spot the Vader is more forgiving and therefore more versatile. Floats well, paddles well and goes like a stabbed rat!Get one, get one, get one!

Traded in against this board which came the next day well packed and totally immaculate. Have now managed to have a couple of sessions on it in shoulder high to just overhead and I can honestly say it is truly amazing, so glad I took the plunge and ordered it, it takes off so quickly and flies down the line and turns effortlessly. Makes me look half decent as I would class myself a poor intermediate so never thought I could ride a 5'10" as recommended by Roger over the phone But he was on the money. If you're thinking of getting one I can't go on about it enough. Not sure if I'll ride anything ever again. Well until the Tomo groveller lands!!!!!

It's not a problem, all purchases on Boardshop.co.uk are covered by a 14 day exchange or refund guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase it can be exchanged or the cost of the item(s) refunded. In case of all returns you will need to contact us for a returns number.